Bastogne: Battle of the Bulge (Battleground Europe Series) [Paperback]

Mike Tolhurst (Author), Michael Tolhurst (Author)

Book Description

Series: Battleground Europe | Publication Date: July 2001

One of the most dramatic episodes of the Ardennes campaign took place in the small crossroads town of Bastogne, Belgium. The defense of the town was entrusted to the 101st Airborne Division which carried no heavy artillery or tanks and yet was surrounded by a steel ring of three German panzer divisions that massively outgunned the paratroopers. When the German commander of the besieging forces demanded surrender from American leader, General Anthony McAuliffe, he received one of the most famous replies in military history: "Nuts."

The American paratroopers held on desperately to the town for more than three days. On Christmas day, the Germans tried one last massive offensive against McAuliffe's tired troops. The airborne troopers, using the last of their meager weapons with bravery, heroism and determination, stopped wave after wave of white-clad Germans until clearing weather allowed Allied planes and Patton's tanks to lift finally the siege.

Drawing on eyewitness accounts, this excellent book paints a graphic picture of the battle that was at the very center of Hitler's last gamble. Numerous photos throughout the text illustrate then and now scenes and bring to life the epic battle. Maps clearly show the progress of events and practical information is given to the reader about visiting the town of Bastogne today.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Pen & Sword Books; 1st edition (July 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850527988
• ISBN-13: 978-0850527988
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 4.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #364,410 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #42 in Books > History > Europe > Belgium

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Battle for Bastogne in 156 Text & Photo Pages, December 2, 2001

By 

Kevin R. Austra (Delaware Valley, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bastogne: Battle of the Bulge (Battleground Europe Series) (Paperback)

As with all of the books in the Battleground Europe series, BASTOGNE is a combination of historical overview, selective detailed reference and compendium of italicized first-hand accounts. This book is not meant to be an in depth study of the Ardennes Campaign around Bastogne, but a concentrated dose of the battle and helpful roadside touring information. There are some "Then and Now" type comparisons, however on the whole the book is very similar to the US Army War College series (Which, by the way, was not published the the US Army War College) guides to Civil War sites. Currently this is the second book book in the Battle of the Bulge segment of the series. The first book, St. Vith, is in the same format. As a supplemental reference to the battles around Bastogne, this book is highly recommended. If you are planning a visit to Bastogne, I recommend that this reference be packed along with your travel brochures, Micheln guides and roadmaps.